'If it's wrong, I'll challenge him': New The Footy Show host Rebecca Maddern vows to call out controversial co-host Sam Newman if he steps out of line

Rebecca Maddern became the first female to co-host the male-dominated AFL Footy Show in March.

And while there's no denying she and her controversial co-host Sam Newman have great chemistry on set, Rebecca has reminded fans that she won't hesitate to shut him down from time to time.

Speaking to Australian Woman's Weekly this month, the 38-year-old was quizzed about what she would do if Sam steps out of line, saying: 'It's hypothetical. I will go with my gut. If I think it's wrong, I'll challenge him'.

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Watch out! Rebecca Maddern has promised not to hold back in challenging her AFL Footy Show co-host Sam Newman if he courts controversy

As for Sam's reaction to the news that Rebecca had been appointed as his co-host, Rebecca said it was not what everyone would have expected.

'He was very encouraging about having a female on the show. You might not expect that, but he understands TV and knows you need to evolve,' she explained.

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'He also added that it wasn't that we needed a female. We needed a co-host and he told me, "You were the best man for the job".'

In the past, Sam, who has long been a source of controversy, has been branded by viewers as 'sexist' and 'misogynistic.'

Colourful character: Sam has long been a source of controversy, having been branded by some viewers as 'sexist' and 'misogynistic'

'I will go with my gut': Speaking to Australian Woman's Weekly this month, the 38-year-old was quizzed about what she would do if Sam steps out of line

The retired AFL star is notorious for his extreme behaviour on the program - he once brought out G-string clad nurses on stage and fondled a half naked mannequin.

Meanwhile, Rebecca came out kicking during her debut appearance on the program, asserting her dominance by teasing Sam about his age.

'Sam, what was it like playing with my great grandfather?' the veteran presenter teased, garnering laughter from the audience.

Polarised opinions: While some fans were thrilled by the news of her appointment, others took to The Footy Show's Facebook page to hurl insults at Rebecca and women in the sports journalism industry

The blonde beauty joined the show after Garry Lyon took a leave of absence due to the controversy surrounding his relationship with fellow host Billy Brownless' ex-wife, Nicky.

While some fans were thrilled by the news of her appointment, others took to The Footy Show's Facebook page to hurl sexist insults at Rebecca and other women in the sports journalism industry.

Speaking to ABC about the influx of online abuse, Rebecca said: 'I haven't actually been onto the Facebook page, it doesn't bother me, if I didn't have thick skin I wouldn't have probably survived in media for this long.'

'Let them write what they write, if they don't want to watch the show, they don't have to.'

Out now! Rebecca's interview appears in the latest edition of Women's Weekly magazine